Baby wearing benefits for you and your child
Around the world people have been wearing their babies for centuries. But how did ‘babywearing’, as we know it, come about? Babywearing gained popularity in the western world, thanks in some part to the work of Paediatritian Dr William Sears who coined the phrase ‘attachment parenting’. One of Sear’s principles of attachment parenting is babywearing and he attributes many benefits to this style of parenting.
Here are some of the many benefits of carrying your baby or child:
- The weight of the child is spread evenly across the upper body, protecting the mother’s joints and muscles which are particularly vulnerable during the postpartum period.
- Allows two handed tasks while caring for the baby.
- Avoids the struggle of a bulky, awkward car seat.
- The mothers’ oxytocin levels are increased through the physical contact with the infant, improving the maternal bond (In the wearing of newborns in particular).
- Lower incidence of postpartum depression in the mother.
- provides relief from the symptoms of colic.
- Parental rhythms (walking, heartbeat, etc.) can balance and soothe infants.
- Primal/survival needs are met. The mother can be seen, heard, smelled, touched and breast feed whilst carrying*.
- Infants are ‘humanised’ earlier by developing socially. Babies are closer to people and can study facial expressions, learn languages faster and become more familiar with body language.
- Decreases the risk of plagiocephaly (‘flat head syndrome’) caused by extended time spent in a car seat and sleeping on the back.
- Inward-facing babywearing can be beneficial to an infants healthy hip and neck muscle development.
- Some believe that the more a baby is held, the less the baby cries.
As with any physical activity, there are certain safety precautions to consider. Most are common sense, but the guidelines are particularly important to remember when carrying a newborn with limited head control.
Use T.I.C.K.S to keep your infant safe:
- Tight
- In view
- Close enough to kiss
- Keep chin off the chest
- Supported back
The carrier acts as a layer of clothing for your infant. Be sure to dress them appropriately when out in hot or cold weather.
*It is important before attempting to breastfeed in a carrier, to first comfortably master breastfeeding without. Your baby’s latch and position are vital, and it is important to establish these before adding a carrier to the mix.